Fighting some typical house fires |24 January 2015

Recently the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) made available to the public some information for fire safety in the house.
 
In the wake of the recent surge of fires in homes, we publish some of the tips on what people should do to prevent or put out such fires.

Most causes of fires in homes occur by people leaving irons on; unattended cooking activities; overloading of electricity; bad connection of LP gas pipes;

children playing with matches or candles or lack of supervision of fires when cleaning your property.

Before you tackle a fire

Many people put out small fires in their homes quite safely. By doing so they prevent serious injuries or damage. But some people are injured and even die while trying to tackle fires which should have been left to the expert.

In case you discover a fire at home, alert everyone. Then call for assistance 999 fire brigade and give appropriate information to the fire service. Do not hang up until you are told to by the officer online.

Try to extinguish the fire if you can with appropriate equipment. If you cannot try to salvage some of your household items but Do Not Put Yourself At Risk! If you cannot do anything stay at a safe distance and wait for the arrival of the fire brigade. Make Sure There Is No One Inside!

Here is a simple home fire fighting code to help you decide whether to put out or get out.

• Always get everyone out and call the Fire Brigade. Only tackle a fire in the very early stages. Always put your own and other people’s safety first and never risk injury to fight fires. Always make sure you can escape if you need to and remember that smoke can kill. If In Doubt, Get Out!

• NEVER let a fire get between you and your way out. If you have any doubt about whether your extinguisher is suitable for the fire, Do Not Use It, Get Out!
• Always remember that fire extinguishers are only for ‘First Aid’ fire fighting. Never tackle the fire if it is starting to spread to other items in the room or if the room is filling with smoke. If Any Doubt Get Out!

• If you cannot put out the fire or if your extinguisher runs out – as some last for only a few seconds – get out of the building immediately. Close doors and windows as you go if it is safe to do so.

Source: SFRSA - Compiled by M. Julie